Sunday, 8 September 2013

Flodden

The 9th of September this year marks the 500th anniversary of the battle of Flodden fought just over the border in England which saw a major defeat for the Scots and the last time a British monarch, James IV was killed in battle. I feel this army is about as old having been started back in 1979/80 when Dixon Miniatures first released this range of figures hence the old school painting and basing.
There have been figures from many companies added to this force over the years from Essex, Foundry, Hinchcliffe, Minifigs and Warrior but majority of figures are from the Dixon range which has now been re-sculpted since I bought these ones. This army has been in it's boxes and not seen action for over 16 years since its English opposition fled to New Zealand and I keep thinking I should sell it off, perhaps one day.

Part of the King's Division, men from Edinburgh and the Lothians

King James IV of Scotland killed at Flodden

This figure was sculpted and painted for me by one of my oldest wargames

friends and top figure designer, Aly Morrison.

Another Division of Fife and Border troops

The King at the centre of the army

The Scots left flank was composed of men from Angus and the Borders

The Borderers usually fought mounted but in the battle they fought on foot as pikemen

but remounted at the end of the battle to cover the Scots retreat.

The Scots right flank was composed of Highlanders under command of

Archibald Campbell, Earl of Argyle.

King James loved his heavy artillery and although very useful at the sieges of Etal and Ford castles the big guns took no part in the battle as they were facing the wrong direction and were too heavy to move in time plus the lighter guns the Scots did manage to move into position had difficulty depressing their barrels to fire on the English and were ineffective during the battle.

Excellent figures, love the shields! I tried to get my 15mm Flodden figures finished in time for the anniversary, but have failed miserably, to my shame. As its the 500th anniversary I'm surprised not to have seen it more at shows this year as well, Wigmore Warriors did put on the battle at Salute this year, there's some pics of their game up on my blog if anyone's interested.

About Me

Like virtually every wargamer I know my period interests vary enormously from Ancients up to Modern warfare and most periods inbetween. I have even dipped my foot into the Fantasy and Science Fiction periods in the past. Apart from playing wargames I have also had a number of articles published in various wargaming magazines as well as having a few books published in the past and have spent the last few years helping my mate Barry with the playtesting of his Beneath the Lilly Banners and Repulic to Empire rules and we are currently working on a set for the Crimean War and the American Civil War.